With broken hearts and profound grief, we remember the radiant and promising life of Sade Robinson, a 19-year-old college student whose bright future was cut short in one of the most horrific crimes Milwaukee has seen in recent memory. Sade was tragically murdered in April 2024, the victim of a brutal and senseless act at the hands of a man she had just met.
Her life, filled with dreams, love, and ambition, was extinguished far too soon, but her spirit and memory live on in the hearts of her family, friends, classmates, and a community left reeling in disbelief.
A Beautiful Soul
Sade was a vibrant young woman, full of hope and determination. A student pursuing her college education, she was deeply loved by her family and well-regarded by her peers. She had a smile that could light up a room and a nurturing soul that made everyone around her feel seen and loved. Her mother, Sheena Scarborough, described her daughter as someone who “carried light wherever she went.” She had a soft heart, a sharp mind, and an exciting life ahead of her.
Her father, Carlos Robinson, shared that she was the “joy of his life,” a daughter who made him proud every day. Sade had aspirations—career dreams, travel plans, and a future of opportunities that were tragically stolen from her.
The Tragedy
On April 1, 2024, Sade went out on a first date with Maxwell Anderson, a man she had recently met at a bar. Surveillance footage and phone records documented the pair spending time at two establishments before going to Anderson’s apartment.
What followed was a crime so grisly that even seasoned law enforcement and court officials struggled to comprehend it. The next morning, Sade’s car was seen leaving the apartment and arriving at a park along Lake Michigan—where prosecutors say Anderson dismembered her body. He later set her car on fire behind an abandoned building and took a bus home.
In the days that followed, parts of Sade’s remains were discovered in various locations, including a playground, prompting a citywide outpouring of anguish and outrage.
Justice Delivered
On August 1, 2025, nearly a year and a half after her murder, Maxwell Anderson, 33, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A Milwaukee County jury had previously convicted him of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson.
During the sentencing, Judge Laura Crivello called Anderson’s actions “unconscionable” and “beyond the realm of human understanding.” She described the case as something “out of a horror story” and firmly rejected Anderson’s pleas for parole eligibility. The judge noted that Anderson showed no remorse and continued to deny responsibility despite overwhelming evidence.
Sade’s parents delivered emotional, gut-wrenching statements in court. Her mother declared, “This demon deserves no protection,” and called for ultimate justice. Her father painfully remarked, “Everything he did to her should be done to him.” Their words echoed the pain of a family permanently scarred.
Honoring Her Legacy
Sade Robinson’s life should be remembered not for the monstrous acts that ended it, but for the extraordinary light she brought into the world. She was a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and an ambitious student with everything to live for.
The community has since rallied in her memory, establishing scholarships in her name and organizing events to raise awareness about dating violence and the importance of safety for young women.
A memorial service will be held in the coming weeks, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate her life, share memories, and find strength in each other.
Sade, your time on Earth was far too short, but the love you gave and the joy you brought will never be forgotten. You were stolen, but your spirit lives on in the fight for justice, in the love of your family, and in the hearts of all who now know your story.
Rest in peace, Sade.
You mattered. You are missed. You will always be remembered.
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